Is free camping permitted in Japan?

Is free camping permitted in Japan? - Side view of bearded male traveler sitting in tent with opened door and reading book in nature with parked cars in distance

I'm planning to go to Japan this summer, and after visiting a relative, I'm planning to go on a hike for 5 to 7 days.

I was wondering if camping out in the wild is permitted anywhere in japan, like it is in Scandinavia. I don't mind about the costs, but I just like the solitude and the idea of pitching your tent wherever you want.

I'm particularly interested in going to Hokkaido, maybe to Daizetsusan National Park.



Best Answer

You expressed your will to camp in Daizetsusan, so my answer will focus on Daizetsusan, see jpatokal's answer for more general information.

I have hiked across Daisetsuzan for several days, and camped various different kinds of places:

  1. Spots of ground and poles, nobody except other campers. Just put your tent on a spot big enough, and put your bags of food on a pole. Free.
  2. Hut with no guard. Most people build their tent inside the hut. Remove your shoes before entering. Free.
  3. Clean ground around a hut with a permanent guard who frightens bears back when necessary. A small fee is necessary.
  4. At the entrance of the park. There are lawn here and there, and a conventional camping place which is not free. Because it is not in the National Park, jpatokal's suggestion probably works here (random camping in other parts of the National Park is forbidden, and the lack of trees on most of the mountains means your tent is visible from far away).



Pictures about "Is free camping permitted in Japan?"

Is free camping permitted in Japan? - Positive male traveler with retro camera reading interesting book while faceless African American friend sitting near green tent with dry firewood
Is free camping permitted in Japan? - Brown Wooden Armchair on Brown Sand Near Body of Water
Is free camping permitted in Japan? - Person Wearing Brown Leather Boots Near Bonfire



Where is it legal to camp in Japan?

There are designated and maintained free campsites, sometimes within city parks or along the coast. In fact, it is possible to camp in almost any area. We camped at beautiful beaches, lakes, rivers and often had the place to ourselves. Or we camped free within city parks, playgrounds or near rivers.

Can you sleep in a tent in Japan?

Urban camping in Japan - Wikitravel. Unauthorized camping outside of a campground is not illegal, but it is a gray area activity. Camping is not allowed in most parks and other public places.

Can foreigners camp in Japan?

Camping in Japan is a popular leisure activity for both residents and tourists. With many forests and a long coastline, you can easily find beautiful places to pitch a tent. In fact, the country has about 3,000 campsites, including some just outside Tokyo.

Can you camp on beaches in Japan?

From tent camping to car camping, mountain huts to beach campsites, there are possibilities for every style of camper. Japan's national parks offer a variety of terrain for camping, including beach camping, forest camping, high-altitude camping and lakeside camping.



how to camp in Japan free accommodation | Follow Mike in Japan




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Images: Dziana Hasanbekava, Kamaji Ogino, EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA, EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA